Accra, (Greater Accra) 15 July '99,

The second Ghana International Garden and Flower Fair to create awareness of the socio-economic values of plants is scheduled to take place in Accra from August 11 to 17.

The fair is under the theme, "Developing and Sustaining the Flower Garden as an asset to tourism promotion and commerce in the next millennium,".

It is being organised by the Landlife Ghana, an NGO, in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism and the Department of Parks and Gardens.

Mr Anthony Mensah, Co-Chairman and Exhibition Director, told a press conference that about 100 exhibitors are expected from Nigeria, Cote d'Ivoire, Britain and Holland.

He said 30 companies from Nigeria and some other countries have already confirmed their participation to the planning committee.

The fair would, among other things, "create public awareness of the vital roles gardens and flowers play in the environment and their socio-economic value."

The industry is a viable one that could attract more tourists into the country, he said.

The Exhibition Director urged banks to assist by giving loans to the sector to enable members to expand their business.